NY groups want details on fracking health study

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A coalition of environmental groups is calling on state officials to release details of a health impact study for shale gas drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing.

Representatives of a dozen prominent organizations signed a letter sent Tuesday to Health Commissioner Nirav Shah and Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens. They asked them to make public the health impact study being evaluated by a scientific panel. They also called for public hearings in potentially affected areas and a 60-day public comment period on the health study.

A DEC spokeswoman referred questions to the health department, which didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

DEC did the health study as part of an environmental impact review of shale gas development which is expected to be completed within a few months.